Vignesh custodial death: 2 cops arrested on murder charges

Mangalore Today News Network

Chennai, May 07, 2022: The Chennai Police Crime Branch-Crime Investigative Department (CB-CID) has arrested two policemen on murder charges in connection with the alleged custodial death of Vignesh.

 

The two arrested police officials, identified as Munaf and Ponraj, were booked under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) on Friday night, based on the autopsy report of the 25-year-old deceased.

The Vignesh custodial death case was transferred to the CB-CID by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin after allegations were raised against police officials and their attempts to cover up the alleged custodial death.

Nine police officials were summoned by the CB-CID on Friday to join the investigation into the alleged custodial death. Of the nine, two have been placed under arrest so far. More arrests are likely in the case, sources said.

On April 18, two young men Vignesh and Suresh were arrested here by police following a vehicle check.

They were arrested as Vignesh did not give proper answers to questions posed by police and as Ganja and liquor bottles were allegedly found in an autorickshaw the duo travelled.

They were taken to the Secretariat Colony police station and Vignesh died on April 19. A police sub-inspector, a constable and a member of the Home Guards were suspended and probe was initially on suspicious death of the suspect. The case went to the CB-CID following an outcry against custodial deaths.

The post-mortem report of Vignesh, while not giving a definitive cause of death, has confirmed that the 25-year-old suffered multiple injuries and fractures on his body.

The post-mortem report listed several contusions (up to 1 cm) or bruises all over Vignesh’s body, especially on his head. The report also said there was an abrasion or cut on his gluteal region, a fracture in his right leg and that the injuries were caused before his death.

The autopsy also revealed deep muscle injury above the left eye, swelling and contusion on the left cheek filled with blood, and injuries on the back and lower part of the right forearm.

Courtesy: India Today